Tema-Ghana, Dec. 10, MNN – Grooves of traders and customers at Tema are in a dilemma as the Christmas festivities draw closer due to the price instability and the poor patronage of goods, and services in Tema Community One market.
Dealers in confectioneries, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, dresses, and food among other things are on the increase due to economic challenges, the swinging value of the dollar against the cedis, and economic factors.
Ms. Doris Essien, Curtain Seller at Doris Decor in Tema Community one market, told newsmen that the prices of material for curtains have changed dramatically, “the prices are high”.
She said that “the increase in prices has made our customers who usually buy curtains for their homes to celebrate the Xmas festivities but have suddenly stopped because they are unable to patronize buy”.
Hajia Abiba Rafu a customer who met the newsmen at the market explained that “people previously used to purchase dresses, shoes, and bags for their children before December but this time it has become very difficult”.
Ms. Elizabeth Amoah of African Clothing Shop also at Tema Community One market complained that the increase in prices has forced their clients to purchase few dresses than they should.
She stated “last year and the previous years before the month of November we had already started making Xmas sales but this year things are not moving at all. Sometimes we do not sell anything the whole day”.
Ms. Amoah explained that clothes such as high target, GTP, Woodin, and other materials prices have increased.
Ms. Salomey Mensah, a seamstress at Jay’s Clothing claimed that she used to charge GHC50.00 for sewing a dress but now charges GHC60.00 for a dress.
She said, “I spent more than GHC20.00 on knitting for some clothes I sew which shouldn’t have been the case”. As the holiday is approaching I have no hope that I will make a lot of sales from sewing”.
Other traders at the market also complained to newsmen that the patronage of materials for clothes and already made dresses this year towards the festivities has dropped drastically due to the economic hardship in the country.
